Lodge marks anniversary

GRAND RAPIDS – In February, the American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge, Peter M. Wege Guest House in Grand Rapids marked its fifth birthday. It’s the only Hope Lodge in Michigan and one of 31 in the country.

“Hope Lodge offers cancer patients and their caregivers a free, temporary place to stay as they travel into Grand Rapids for life-saving cancer treatment,” said Brooke Ghent, Hope Lodge director. “Not having to worry about where to stay or how to pay for lodging during this difficult time allows guests to focus on getting well. Since opening our doors, we have served 2,400 cancer patients and caregivers.”

During the past five years, Grand Rapids Hope Lodge has:

-Served patients from 71 counties across Michigan and 5 states

-Average length of stay is 14 days

-Average of 60 percent female and 40 percent male guests

-15 referring institutions

-16,250 nights of lodging provided since doors opened in 2008

-Savings to patients in hotel costs of nearly $1.25 million

Hope Lodge offers a nurturing, home-like environment where guests can retreat to private rooms or receive support from others who are going through many of the same experiences. Each lodge has fully equipped kitchens, cancer resource rooms, laundry facilities, activity rooms and areas for quiet reflection.

Hope Lodge also offers a variety of resources about cancer and how best to fight the disease. There is access to the American Cancer Society’s free call center at 800- 227-2345 and website access, as well as a comprehensive on-site library designed to help patients and caregivers make informed decisions.

To learn more about the American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodges, visit cancer.org/hopelodge or call the American Cancer Society at (800) 227-2345.